NFL

Buffalo Bills vs Chicago Bears preview

In their first game of the regular season, the Buffalo Bills are taking on the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field. Last week in their final preseason games, the Bills were shut out by the Detroit Lions 23-0 and the Bears faced the Cleveland Browns, losing 33-13. The Bills finished the preseason with a record of 1-4, while the Bears kept it even at 2-2.

The Bills have not made it to the playoffs in the past 14 years and the recent death of team founder and owner Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., along with the changes that will come along with it, have been weighing heavily on the team. The Bills are going to have to shake off that weight and perform like a well-oiled machine if they hope to beat the Bears in Week 1. Unfortunately, the Bills have never beaten the Bears at home and they come this year to face a team that is well prepared for them.

The Bears had one of their worst defensive seasons ever last season with their run defense giving up a considerable number of rushing yards in the final half of the season. They have attempted to remedy this by shoring up their defensive line in the offseason, but their effectiveness in games that matter remain to be seen. All eyes will be on Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton, and Willie Young, all new to the team.

Bills Tight end Lee Smith has not been physically able to join the team in practice after a toe injury sidelined him in the preseason. Other Bills players that are questionable for playing in Sunday’s game include cornerback Stephon Gilmore (rehabbing a groin injury), linebacker Randell Johnson (dealing with an ankle injury) and safety Jonathan Meeks (suffered a neck injury).

The Bears will be missing quarterback David Fales, who is out with a shoulder injury. They may also be missing safety Chris Conte due to a concussion as well as fullback Tony Fiametta and center Brian de la Puenta who both suffered hamstring injuries.

Latest Line – In Sunday’s matchup, the Bears are favored to win by 7.

The Bears’ advantages over the Bills will be a big factor in this game and their home field advantage may be what ultimately seals the deal.